When Civil Unrest Meant Priestly Tensions - Ballinrobe event

By John Healy of the Mayo News Tuesday February 9th, 2016

Extracted by Averil Staunton

After the Tourmakeady Ambush of 1921 in which two RIC constables and an IRA volunteer died, the remains of all three were removed to St. Mary’s Church [RC] in Ballinrobe.

The parish priest Fr. D’Alton, directed that the IRA victim’s coffin would be placed before the high altar; those of the policemen to be placed before the side altars. In spite of RIC protest; Fr. D’Aton refused to change the arrangements.

Later that day, the priest accompanied Dr. Gilmartin, Archbishop of Tuam, to Ballinrobe RIC barracks to offer his condolences, describing the victims as men ‘of exceptional character'.

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